Surgical Services
Specialized Care That Continues After the Team Leaves
CAMO’s surgical programs are built on long-term counterpart relationships between U.S. specialists and Honduran professionals. Visiting surgeons do not work independently; they work alongside local physicians who know the patients, participate in treatment decisions, and remain responsible for follow-up after the international team returns home. This model strengthens quality, continuity of care, and local surgical capacity rather than creating dependence on visiting teams
Ophthalmology
CAMO’s Ophthalmology Program began in 1993 when Dr. Hector Robles, then the only ophthalmologist serving more than one million people in western Honduras, was matched with U.S. ophthalmologist Dr. John Thomas. Their counterpart relationship lasted more than 20 years and helped transform a poorly equipped eye service into a comprehensive ophthalmology program.
That legacy has now grown across generations. Dr. Hector Robles’ two sons are ophthalmologists, his daughter is also an ophthalmologist and now works in the clinic, and both of his sons’ wives are ophthalmologists as well. Together, the family continues strengthening specialized eye care in Honduras. U.S. ophthalmologist Dr. Kevin Waltz later became an important counterpart, helping advance surgical techniques and technology within the program.
Today, CAMO-supported partnerships provide cataract, glaucoma, corneal transplant, oculoplastic, and other advanced eye care. The program serves more than 4,000 patients each year with Honduran specialists providing the continuity and long-term follow-up central to the CAMO model.
IMPACT
Neurosurgery
In serious head trauma, the first 60 minutes are often called the “Golden Hour”—the critical period when rapid assessment and treatment can determine whether a patient survives and how much neurological function can be preserved.
Before CAMO helped develop neurosurgical services in western Honduras, patients with severe cranial injuries had virtually no local option for care. The next referral center was more than three hours away and often overwhelmed, with limited equipment and supplies. For critically injured patients, that delay could be fatal.
Through the long-term counterpart relationship between Honduran neurosurgeon Dr. Roberto Álvarez and U.S. neurosurgeon Dr. J.C. Tabet, CAMO has helped build local neurosurgical capacity through training, specialized equipment, and advanced technology, including neuronavigation for more precise head and spine procedures.
IMPACT
In the Golden Hour, access to neurosurgery can mean the difference between life and death.
Gastroenterology
CAMO’s Gastroenterology Program began after CAMO’s founder observed an alarming number of patients dying from stomach cancer and questioned national statistics reporting only 23 cases in the country. The discrepancy revealed a deeper problem: many patients were never receiving the diagnostic procedures and pathology needed for their disease to be documented or treated.
CAMO responded by working with Honduran physicians already performing endoscopy, expanding equipment, pathology support, training, and clinical capacity. Today, three gastroenterologistswork within the program, providing endoscopies, colonoscopies, gastrostomies, esophageal dilations, and other specialized services. In 2024–25, the program provided 1,588 consultations, including 1,258 procedures. A special thanks to two Honduran Volunteer Gastroenterologists for donating their time to this program. Dr. Candi Leiva and Dr. Victor Lopez.
IMPACT
Earlier diagnosis can change the course of gastrointestinal disease—giving patients access to treatment before illness reaches a stage where little can be done.
Urology
For men with limited access to urologic care, conditions such as prostate enlargement can progress from discomfort to recurrent infection, kidney damage, sepsis, and life-threatening complications. CAMO developed urology services to bring earlier diagnosis and treatment closer to patients in western Honduras.
Through collaboration between visiting specialists and Honduran counterparts, patients receive evaluation, procedures such as cystoscopy, and follow-up care while local professionals continue developing their skills. Urology remains part of CAMO’s ongoing counterpart training and specialty-development work. (Please note we are looking for a USA counterpart for a young Urologist just starting his career.)
IMPACT
Timely urologic care can prevent a treatable condition from becoming a medical crisis—reducing suffering and helping patients return to their families and livelihoods sooner.
Plastic Surgery
CAMO’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program now provides increasingly complex care for children and adults through a partnership that includes a Brown University plastic surgery team working alongside Honduran specialists. CAMO also continues to support Smiles International when its surgical teams work in Santa Rosa de Copán, providing local coordination, resources, and administrative support.
Recent teams evaluated 43 patients and performed 25 surgeries, including complex reconstructive procedures for children. Two-year-old Camila, who was born with joined fingers, can now hold a pencil after surgery separated the fingers of her hand. Local plastic surgeon Dr. Javier Pérez provides continuing follow-up after international teams leave.
IMPACT
Reconstructive surgery can give a child far more than a repaired hand, lip, or facial difference—it can restore function, independence, confidence, and opportunities that will shape an entire lifetime.
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